Nomazulu Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – At a media roundtable event on 21 June 2024, the Mastercard Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering the growth and development of educational technology (EdTech) companies across Africa. Joseph Nsengimana, Director of the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at the Mastercard Foundation, outlined the organisation’s strategic initiatives aimed at sustaining the momentum of African EdTech ventures beyond initial funding phases.
Nsengimana emphasised the Foundation’s collaborative approach with tech hubs across the continent, aimed at identifying and nurturing high-potential EdTech solutions. “Our goal is to create a robust ecosystem where EdTech companies can thrive, reach more learners, and significantly enhance educational outcomes,” he stated.
The event included a diverse panel featuring Nissi Madu from Co-creation Hub Limited in Nigeria, Solomon Twum, EdTech Advisor at Reach for Change in Ethiopia, and Jumanne Mtambalike, CEO of Sahara Consult in Tanzania. The panelists highlighted the transformative impact of partnerships within the EdTech sector in Africa, showcasing successful collaborations such as Loho Learning and Angaza Elimu, which integrate content expertise with personalised learning frameworks to create impactful educational tools.
Partnerships with telecom companies were also discussed, with a spotlight on Kalamu’s collaboration in Kenya, illustrating efforts to expand reach and affordability of EdTech solutions. The panelists stressed the critical role of equipping teachers with valuable tools and resources through strategic collaborations, exemplified by Edutams, Skula Skula, and Cory AI’s initiative providing AI-powered assistants to enhance classroom learning.
Nsengimana further announced the Mastercard Foundation’s upcoming EdTech conference scheduled for July 8-10 in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference aims to convene approximately 600 delegates from across Africa, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and educators, to collectively shape the future of EdTech on the continent. “This conference will be pivotal in aligning on a shared vision for EdTech in Africa and devising actionable strategies to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities,” Nsengimana remarked.
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The Mastercard Foundation’s ongoing efforts underscore its dedication to advancing educational technology in Africa, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable impact in the education sector across the continent.
Among those who will be attending the event from South Africa are – Dr Nazira Hossen- Educational Developer, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) Johannesburg, South Africa.
– Sizwe Nxasana – Founder and CEO SIFISO Learning group, South Africa.
– Keelan whiting – co-Founder & CEO, Reflective Learning, South Africa
– Tsepo Ngwenyama (Moderator)- Partnerships & Ecosystems Head Injini, South Africa.
